Digital eye strain: The silent danger behind screens.

With the acceleration of the digital lifestyle, spending long hours in front of screens has become an integral part of many jobs, but this habit comes at a high cost paid by the eyes. Medical reports indicate that spending a whole day between emails, video calls, and spreadsheets can cause annoying symptoms such as headaches, eye dryness, blurriness, itching, redness, and a general feeling of discomfort. * "Occupational Hazard" in the Digital Age: Described as an "occupational hazard" by Dr. Douglas Wisner, head of the Lens Opacity and Primary Eye Care Department at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, eye strain due to screen work has become part of the challenges of modern life. * The Two Main Causes of Eye Strain: Amy Watts, Director of Vision Rehabilitation at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, explains that there are two main reasons behind eye strain from screens: 1_ Reduced Blinking: When focusing on the screen, the number of eye blinks decreases, leading to dryness. Watts says, "Eyelids act as front windshield wipers, and when they don't blink enough, moisture accumulates randomly, affecting vision clarity." 2_ Eye Muscle Fatigue: Prolonged focus on a fixed point strains the small muscles responsible for clear vision, causing blurriness and weakness by the end of the day. * What Are the Symptoms? - Blurry vision - Frequent headaches - Eye redness - Continuous itching and fatigue - Feeling of discomfort * The 20/20/20 Rule... But Is It Enough? Doctors recommend following the 20/20/20 rule to reduce eye strain: every 20 minutes, look at a distance of 20 feet (about 6 meters) for 20 seconds. However, Watts suggests that recent studies indicate this rule may not be sufficient alone and recommends taking a longer break of 5 minutes every hour, especially to stand up and move around, which helps stimulate blood circulation and improve overall health. * Eye Drops... When and Why? Watts says that eye lubricating drops are an effective solution for dryness caused by reduced blinking and emphasizes that they give better results when used preventively, not just after symptoms appear. It is preferable to use preservative-free drops to avoid eye irritation and to repeat their use every few hours during the day. * Don't Forget About Lighting and Cleanliness: Good lighting relaxes the eyes, while dirty or smudged screens increase difficulty in focusing and accelerate the onset of strain. * Are Blue Light Glasses Helpful? Dr. Steven Reed, President of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, says, "Blue light glasses do not cause harm, but they also do not provide significant benefit." Studies do not confirm their clear effectiveness in reducing strain. * Warning Before Bed: Dr. Wisner warns against using screens before bed, pointing out that lack of sleep increases body and eye fatigue, exacerbating the problem. Good sleep is an important factor in alleviating symptoms. * A Modern Problem... But Not Always Serious: Wisner emphasizes that digital eye strain is not necessarily a sign of permanent damage but rather a result of using the eyes in ways they were not historically designed for. However, it is recommended to have an eye exam if the symptoms persist or worsen. In some cases, the solution can be simple, such as using over-the-counter reading glasses or adjusting the prescription for current glasses. * Are Children Complaining? Take It Seriously: If children complain of blurred vision or eye pain after device use, the issue should not be ignored. Some studies link screen use to increased chances of myopia in children, necessitating an immediate visit to an eye doctor. * In Conclusion... To maintain the health of your eyes in front of screens all day: - Blink more. - Take regular breaks. - Use preservative-free lubricating drops. - Do not ignore persistent or bothersome symptoms. - Clean your screen and adjust the lighting. - Reduce device use at night and do not neglect your sleep. Your eyes deserve rest... So do not overdo your staring!